There is a lot riding on Virat Kohli’s shoulders this year. India’s loss to New Zealand in the WTC finals hurt the fans big time. There is a lot of speculation about India’s temperament in the big tournaments. Kohli is yet to lead India to a multi-tournament win. If India fails to win the T20 World Cup scheduled later this year, then Kohli might face the axe. There is no doubt that Kohli is India’s greatest Test skipper but his record in ICC tournaments isn’t great. A change in helm can be expected if things don’t go to plan. Kohli though will remain a big part of India’s limited-overs side. Here is Players Who Might Captain Virat Kohli
We look at 6 players who might captain Virat Kohli in the future:
#6 Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer took over the captaincy duties of the Delhi Capitals in 2019. He led them to successive playoff finishes in 2020 and 2021. Iyer has shown the spunk needed to be a captain. His form in limited-overs cricket has been commendable. He is in the running for the captaincy chair.
#5 Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw led India to a sensational U-19 World Cup win in 2018. He single-handedly took Mumbai over the line in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021. Shaw is a game-changer. His aggressive batsmanship will fit him well even in the future. Team management has a lot of faith in Shaw’s abilities. If there comes a point to appoint Kohli’s successor, Shaw’s name will crop up for sure.
#4 Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill made a wonderful Test debut down under. His presence at the crease was reassuring. Gill is surely cut out for international cricket. A lot of experts have already predicted that Gill will definitely play for the next 8-10 years. Gill has a calm exterior to go in with his win-at-all-costs attitude. KKR have already appointed Gill as vice-captain. It goes on to prove that he is leadership material.
#3 KL Rahul
KL Rahul was handed the most difficult jobs in world cricket in 2020. Punjab Kings handed over the captaincy to Rahul. Rahul has led the team with elan. He leads the side from the front. Rahul took over the mantle of wicket-keeping in limited-overs cricket. He has excelled as an opener in Tests. Rahul can do no wrong at this moment. Captaincy might just be the next big tick in his career.
#2 Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant is world cricket’s favourite cricket. He is the latest poster boy of Indian cricket. Pant is one cricketer whose game has gone on to the next level in a span of few months. He is India’s only all-format guaranteed cricketer along with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah. Pant’s rise in world cricket is unparalleled. He led DC with great charm this IPL. Pant is likely to pip all other young captaincy candidates once Kohli steps down.
#1 Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is a great captain in waiting. Sharma in the last couple of years has taken his game to the optimum. He is arguably India’s most important player across formats. Sharma knows the art of winning big tournaments. He is Kohli’s biggest captaincy competition. Sharma is likely to replace Kohli as captain if India fail to grab the T20 World Cup.
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